The money supply in Bahrain, measured at the M2 level, went up by 4.8 per cent or BD 166.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 to BD3,679.7 million, according to the latest figures released by the Bahrain Monetary Agency.

According to Bahrain Tribune, it was boosted by a rise in private sector demand deposits of BD82.4 million and time and savings deposits of BD76.4 million. The consolidated balance sheet of the banking system rose by 7.8 per cent or $11 billion (BD4.14b) during the three month period to $151.4 billion (BD57b).